Submissions

This Submission is provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in response to the request for information provided by the Yoorrook Justice Commission around Land Injustice Inquiries on 27 March 2024.

Barbary Clarke and Jason Clarke, descendants of Alfred Deakin and William John Turner, also known as Big Clarke, discuss aspects of their family’s history with Australia. The first aspect is about how both their ancestors and they themselves have lived unconsciously, failing to understand the cultural protocols that should have been observed from the start in interacting with First Nations people of this country. The second aspect is what they are doing to act consciously and with integrity in this country.

Prof. Mark G. Brett’s paper, “Reinventing Waste Land as a Colonial Legal Fiction,” explores the historical development of the concept of waste land from the 17th century to its role in 19th-century Australian legislation. It examines the impact of this legislation on Aboriginal people, who were forcibly dispossessed of their lands, and discusses ways in which this could be remedied.

Anonymous 1490 identifies as a non-First Nations person who has witnessed systemic racism against First Nations people in terms of land rights, criminal justice and prisons, and in the workplace. They make their submission to record what they have seen and to support truth-telling, Treaty, self-determination and healing.

Anonymous 1497 acknowledges the brutal colonisation of Victoria and its lasting negative impacts. They found their education on First Nations history almost non-existent and advocate for a treaty, landback, and better education. They suggest promoting First Peoples’ history and culture through education and celebration of Aboriginal cultural traditions.

Anonymous 1444 notes that colonisation in Victoria, which grew exponentially during the Gold Rush, led to ongoing oppression which continues to today. They found their education on First Nations history inadequate, taught from a coloniser’s perspective. They advocate for centring First Peoples’ stories, increasing visibility, and fostering genuine conversations to promote understanding and respect.

Anonymous 1418 describes colonisation as devastating and brutal, destroying an incredibly rich and diverse pathwork of cultures that lived with a great understanding of the land and how to manage resources. They call for depoliticising the understanding of First Peoples’ history, promoting it through accessible history, personal accounts, art, and media.

Raymond Kennedy, from Wadi Wadi mob, describes country as their heart and soul and mentions that the Wemba Wamba native title claimants are claiming Wadi Wadi country in their RAP and native title claim.

Lili Prins, not Aboriginal herself, empathises with her friends’ experiences of subtle discrimination and advocates for self-determination by empowering First Nations people and giving them a voice in Parliament. She calls for a well-considered Treaty, the abolition of Australia Day, true history education, and joint land management practices.